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In an exciting development for literary enthusiasts and young readers across the state, the celebration of the National Book Festival is expanding to Kentucky. This year, the festival is set to include a special tour featuring Kentucky’s own distinguished authors, Brittany Thurman and Crystal Wilkinson, who will visit 15 libraries across the state, engaging with communities and inspiring a love for reading.

The tour will make a stop at the Lincoln County Public Library on August 9 at 10 a.m. and will feature an appearance by Brittany Thurman.

The National Book Festival, an annual literary event organized by the Library of Congress, celebrates books and authors from across the nation. Two Kentucky authors, Crystal Wilkinson and Brittany Thurman, have been chosen to represent the Commonwealth at the 2024 National Book Festival. Wilkinson’s “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts” and Thurman’s “Forever and Always” will be the featured works from Kentucky in Washington, D.C.

By extending the National Book Festival celebration to Kentucky, the festival aims to highlight the state’s rich literary heritage and promote literacy and education among its youth.

“The National Book Festival is an incredible celebration of reading and writing, and we are thrilled to bring that celebration to Kentuckians throughout the state,” said Kentucky Humanities Executive Director Bill Goodman. “Kentucky is fortunate to have a long history of brilliant literary talent and Crystal Wilkinson and Brittany Thurman are an integral part of the state’s literary legacy. This tour provides an amazing opportunity for people of all ages across the Commonwealth to interact with them and participate in discussions of their work.”

The National Book Festival’s Roadmap to Reading is made possible by generous support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. The tour in Kentucky was developed as a partnership with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, the Kentucky Book Festival, the Kentucky Center for the Book, and Kentucky Humanities.

Tour Schedule:

The tour will cover 15 libraries throughout Kentucky, ensuring that readers from across the state have the chance to participate.

• August 1- Brittany Thurman – Fleming County Public Library Flemingsburg – 5 p.m. EDT
• August 3 –  Brittany Thurman – Oldham County Public Library LaGrange – 11 a.m. EDT
• August 9 – Brittany Thurman – Lincoln County Public Library Stanford – 10 a.m. EDT
• August 10 – Brittany Thurman – Marion County Public Library Lebanon – 11 a.m. EDT
• August 11- Brittany Thurman – Boone County Public Library Burlington – 2 p.m. EDT
• August 15 – Brittany Thurman- Greenup County Public Library – Greenup – 6 p.m. EDT
• August 17 – Brittany Thurman – Hopkinsville-Christian County Hopkinsville – 10 a.m. CDT                    
• August 17 – Brittany Thurman- Henderson County Public Library – Henderson – 3 p.m. CDT
• August 19 – Brittany Thurman -Louisville Free Public Library—Jeffersontown Branch- 10:15 a.m. EDT
• August 20- Crystal Wilkinson- Warren County Public Library-Bob Kirby Branch- Bowling Green – 6 p.m. CDT
• August 24- Brittany Thurman – Calloway County Public Library Murray – 10 a.m. CDT
• August 24- Brittany Thurman- McCracken County Public Library Paducah – 3 p.m. CDT
• August 26 – Brittany Thurman – Louisville Free Public Library—Western Branch – Louisville – 6 p.m. EDT
• August 27 – Crystal Wilkinson – Kenton County Public Library—Erlanger Branch – 7 p.m. EDT
• August 29 – Brittany Thurman – Louisville Free Public Library—Iroquois Branch – Louisville 6:30 p.m. EDT.

Tour Highlights:

• Meet the Authors: Brittany Thurman, acclaimed for her captivating children’s books, and Crystal Wilkinson, renowned for her profound and evocative adult fiction, will be sharing their stories, insights, and passion for writing with audiences of all ages.
• Interactive Reading Sessions: Each library visit will include interactive reading sessions, where Thurman and Wilkinson will read excerpts from their latest works. These sessions are designed to engage young readers and encourage a lifelong love of books.
• Q&A: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with the authors, gaining unique insights into their creative processes and the inspiration behind their works.

About the Authors:

• Brittany Thurman: An esteemed author of children’s literature, Thurman is celebrated for her vibrant storytelling and ability to connect with young readers. Her works often explore themes of friendship, imagination, and self-discovery.
• Crystal Wilkinson: An award-winning author and poet, Wilkinson’s writing delves into the complexities of identity, family, and culture. Her work has garnered critical acclaim and resonates deeply with readers across the country.